By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go said during his recent visit to Victorias City, before peace talks between local government officials and regional chapters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) commence, officials should wait for a decision from President Rodrigo Duterte on the matter.
However, Go said he hopes peace talks resume between the national government and the rebels.
CPP-NPA founder Jose Ma. Sison earlier canceled the peace talks, saying his group could “no longer negotiate” with the present administration, adding, it would be “relatively easier and more productive” if Duterte were ousted.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, meanwhile, recommended ending talks after reports surfaced revealing the CPP-NPA had crafted a “three-year plan” to advance their revolutionary movements by removing Duterte from office if he refused to install a coalition government.
Despite the cancelation, however, Philippine Army 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, Colonel Alberto Desoyo, said they are open to local talks but affirmed they would follow orders issued by the president.
“If our local counterparts want to talk for peace, then it is better,” he explained./DGB, WDJ